Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Shaw–Howard University

United States

District Of Columbia

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Shaw–Howard University

Moderate

3.5

(23)

riders

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Shaw–Howard University

03:18

52.7km

190m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 9, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 5.54 km for 6 m

After 43.1 km for 15 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.22 km

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is a paved path across the bridge with metal railings separating pedestrians/cyclists from vehicular traffic. It feels safe but it can be a little loud. The views are beautiful.

Tip by

19.9 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

24.4 km

Widewater

Highlight • Lake

As you ride onto the wide canal bend, you’re met with serene water views—Widewater is a beautiful lake that serves as habitat for many bird and wildlife species. It’s an …

Tip by

25.5 km

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Highlight • Viewpoint

Not too bumpy or overcrowded, but do expect to find people and cyclists on the path!

Tip by

26.0 km

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Highlight • Waterfall

Located at mile 14.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath in Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls Park is a must-visit highlight for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike. A short boardwalk leads …

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26.2 km

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Highlight • River

Great Falls has a scenic Horseshoe Bend where the river curves in a horseshoe shape around a rocky outcrop. It's a nice spot to stop for photos on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail.

Tip by

26.5 km

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Great Falls of the Potomac is a place with various rapids and small falls in the Potomac. The place marked here may only be entered on foot. Bicycles and dogs 😜 must stay outside.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

40.3 km

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the locks (#6 of 75) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These should ensure the shipping traffic between Cumberland and Washington to transport coal.
The lock keeper's houses …

Translated by Google •

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43.2 km

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Highlight • Bridge

It's just a shame that cycling is only allowed on the paved road. The many earthy trails to the right and left of the road are very tempting for a mountain biker. Unfortunately explicitly forbidden.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

52.7 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.4 km

9.22 km

537 m

328 m

182 m

142 m

Surfaces

21.4 km

20.3 km

8.97 km

1.43 km

577 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 11 November

21°C

7°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

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Comments

March 11, 2025,Alexandria to Great Falls via C&O Canal Towpath

Today was the test for my new gravel-ish tires (Gravel King SS 30mm) that I put on my road bike. It worked out well! It was a very pleasant ride. The tires are fast and smooth enough for pavement but rugged enough that I feel confident on gravel. Although after my insane Argentina/Chile Andean mountain biking adventure earlier this year, …